Srinagar: Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday directed security forces operating in Jammu and Kashmir “to scale down confrontation with the civilian population and on-the-run militants” during the upcoming month of Ramzan and the period of Amarnath Yatra.
Chairing the meeting of the Unified Headquarters, comprising all security agencies operating including the Army and CRPF, in Srinagar, Ms. Mufti stressed the need to “scale down” the offensive, according to official sources. Violent incidents saw a spike this year, leaving 70 militants, 15 security personnel and over 30 civilians dead.
“The security agencies should adopt a calibrated response to various situations during the coming month of Ramzan, the tourist season and the period of Amarnath Yatra. They should provide a secure environment and hassle-free movement during the holy month,” Ms. Mufti told the agencies.
During the “detailed review of the security scenario”, Ms. Mufti asked intelligence agencies “to synchronise their efforts and actions on the ground while dealing with challenging situations and adhere to standard operating procedures”.
“Security agencies ensure safety and security of general public and their properties during security and law and order-related incidents,” she said.
Ms. Mufti also spoke to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and asked him “to take steps for ensuring safety of the people from Jammu and Kashmir.”
CRPF jawan killed in gunfight
One CRPF jawan was killed and a civilian injured in an encounter between militants and security forces in Pulwama on Saturday.
“In the initial exchange of fire, one CRPF jawan sustained injuries. He later succumbed to his injuries,” police said.
The deceased jawan was identified as J.D. Mandeep Kumar.
